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The Eagle on the Ramparts  by Canafinwe 14 Review(s)
obsidianjReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/27/2015
Does Ecthelion know how his guards treat people that come because of his edict? If they are all treated like this, it is small wonder that they don't get better warriors and leaders. Word gets around... I'm appalled at how small-minded Denethor is. I pictured him as a hard man, but not as prejudiced as this. If his thoughts about the guard are any indication, his men will follow him out of fear, but not because they love him.

quodamatReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/29/2015
This is such a well-crafted chapter. Since others have mostly commented on Thorondil's scene, I'll say that the section on Denethor was brilliantly done. You actually got me feeling sympathetic for him at first,insomnia being an old nemesis of mine, and then it just drained away as he demonstrates such harshness toward even his own people and then that horrible contempt and malice against foreigners. Regarding the former, namely the poor, freezing guard, I kind of wanted to yell, "maybe you ought to supply your men with better winter gear, oh mighty steward's son, standing there snuggling with your fur!" Granted, there are always those bitter nights that no ordinary winter wear can defend against, but still! ... Wow, only a couple chapters in and Denethor is already getting my inner radical all riled up. ;)

Oh a completely different note, I loved your description of the frosty windows: "They seemed to glow with the diffracted moonlight spreading through a thick crusting of frost that coated the bottom of each pain, leaving a U of bare glass through which the night was still dark." So evocative, and accurate - I can picture exactly what this would look like, and it's lovely.

Author Reply: Thank you so much! It's a treat to get feedback on a section that hasn't received much; you're so thoughtful! I'm very glad to know that a spectrum of feelings towards Denethor came across. He really could have done with that little lecture, too.

So lovely to have you comment on the description of the window! I'm delighted to know it was so clear an image. Cheers!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/28/2015
Not the most comfortable of nights, but not the worst he might expect, either. As for Denethor, seeking to subvert his father's good will is beneath him, I believe, but within his capabilities.

Author Reply: That about sums it up, actually. A man who is convinced he is in the right can stoop to a lot...

CelethReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/27/2015
Wow, its here at last! Another Aragorn tale. And I hope its going to be as long as possible =)

Tsk tsk, the tale is just starting and already he is imprisoned...oh well detained if you want to put it nicely. And those Denethor-shaped stormclouds gathering in the horizon don't really bode well for him, either. Makes me want to take up my favorite pillows and settle in a favorite hiding place so I can lose myself in the tale.

Thank you so much for another tale! Looking forward to its unfolding...

Author Reply: At last? ;-) Fear not: it's gonna be a long one!

I can't help it: 'Denethor-shaped stormclouds' is just too priceless an image!!!

You're very welcome, and thank YOU for the feedback.

KateReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/27/2015
Thank you for posting a new story so soon! Aragorn as always is so patient, so careful to do exactly the right thing. I love thinking about how it must have been for him to behold Minas Tirith for the first time, and I think you explored that well in the last chapter. Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for us!
Kate

Author Reply: You're very welcome! I'm glad you liked my thoughts on the matter. We get a glimpse of his feelings at the Argonath; this must have been still more awestriking.

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/27/2015
Aragorn had quite a chill welcome to his city. I am sure as he rose in power he made all the changes he could in guard protocol and procedures. As King, he likely made many more. I am throughly enjoying this. Thank you.

Author Reply: I'm quite sure he will do both! ;-)

Eirinn LeighReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/26/2015
‘I’ve never met a sell-sword without a sword to sell" - ha! But this is no ordinary sell-sword, man of Gondor!
Can't wait for the next chapter - even with hardly any action the writing drew me on till the end; clicking vainly for the the 'next' button.

Author Reply: Oh, thank you! That's high praise. Because it's as much a tale of court intrigue and daily life as of war and glory, there will be a few times where the action is light like this. I'm glad it's still interesting.

SnehaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/26/2015
Yay another update! The interrogator trying Sindarin on Aragorn was ironic. I am looking forward to reading about his rise to being the infamous captain (I hope the tale will extend that far and beyond) and understanding the politics of Gondor. I feel the people of Rohan would have been more free and open!
Out of curiosity do you think the people of Gondor knew about the elven realm in the north? For Boromir to seek the council of Elrond they must have know something but perhaps not the common people. An elven queen must have been quite the experience for Gondor and Arwen herself!

Author Reply: Oh, yes! The plan is to take this story right to that dreaded morning on the East bank of Anduin. The political intrigue is going to be *fun*!

We know that there are stories about Lothlórien in Gondor, mostly of the 'perilous faerieland' sort. Imladris is much less well known: neither Faramir nor Boromir know of it until Denethor (whose knowledge of lore is extensive) tells them of it. I do not doubt that their Elven Queen proved a source of great interest and knew knowledge!

AromeneReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/26/2015
Well, it wasn't going to be easy, was it? I like how this is unfolding already, and the parallel stories of Aragorn and Denethor. We already get the inkling of what will happen between the two of them in the future. I think you have Denethor's character down very well!

Author Reply: It's great to know you like my approach to Denethor, and that the mode of storytelling is working. It's an interesting change from the last one, to be able to switch points of view as the need arises!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 2 on 10/26/2015
This is so realistic, and well written. Another interesting tale!

Author Reply: Thank you! I am trying for realism, all right. ;-)

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